The Colony police chief Joseph T. Clark is putting more than 31 years in law enforcement behind him and retiring, effective May 2.

Clark tendered his resignation to City Manager Troy Powell on April 1, according to a city news release Friday morning.

“We wish Chief Clark the best in his future endeavors,” Powell said in the release. “Retirement will surely offer him many new opportunities, which I know he will embrace wholeheartedly.

“His many years of service in law enforcement and to our community are greatly appreciated.”

Clark began his police career in August 1982 with the police department in Port Arthur. After three years in Port Arthur, he had a brief stint with the Carrollton Police Department.

The Colony hired Clark was hired as a police officer in 1985. During the next seven and a half years, he was patrol officer, patrol sergeant, accident investigator, and operations commander. In May 1993, Clark took over as police chief in Jacinto City and served in that capacity for nearly three years.

In April 1996, Clark returned to The Colony as police chief. When he retires in May, he will have served as a police officer for 31 years and seven months.

Clark was in the U.S. Air Force Reserve from 1979-1989, where he obtained the rank of 1st lieutenant. He received his bachelors of science in biology from Lamar University in Beaumont, and his masters of psychology from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville.

Clark has his Master Peace Officer License and is a police instructor.